Brig. Gen. Lewis Addison Armistead carried this sword and scabbard during the war. He used it when he was leading his brigade as part of Pickett's Charge. Upon leaping the stone wall near the colors of the 72nd Pennsylvania, Armistead fell mortally wounded. Sgt. Michael Specht, of Co. K, 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry, picked up the sword with scabbard and kept them until he, with the 72nd Pennsyvlania Infantry, gave them to the 56th Virginia Infantry (Capt. Thomas D. Jeffress as commander) at the "Reunion of the Blue and Gray" at Gettysburg on September 15, 1906 on the spot where Armistead fell. The 56th Virginia gave the sword and scabbard to the Museum with the statement that Armistead's heirs had claim to the items. Armistead's grandsons laid claim but donated the sword and scabbard fully in 1907.